Friday, December 09, 2011

I grew up with various quick (unleavened) griddle-cooked non-greasy flat breads like: roti, chapathi,paratha, some fried breads like puri and bathura, as well as fluffy risen naan. Some were made with whole wheat flour, some with an assortment of lentils and some even with chickpea flour. So, tortilla, when it came into my life, was not unusual at all, and was much welcomed.

Making tortillas was not so much different from making chapathis - in my mind - but, I've always shied away from the traditional tortilla recipes I found which called for a generous amount of shortening. My rotis and chapathis barely have a spoonful of ghee so they feel lighter and healthier somehow.

But, a request from the other adult in the house prompted me to make these New Mexican Flour Tortillas adapting a recipe I found in the Tuesday Nov 29th edition of The Oregonian, which in turn adapted a recipe from Saveur Cooks Authentic American.

We used these to make easy chicken wraps. I went rather squeeze-happy with the food color, but, between the chipotle and the sun-dried tomatoes, extra red coloring is not needed. I thought my kids might fancy this bright color for a change.

Combine 4 Tbsp of Chipotle in Adobo sauce (more if preferred) with 4 Tbsp of Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, blend into a smooth thick paste

Combine the flour and salt and mix in the shortening, crumbling with fingers as it gets incorporated, to form a fine breadcrumb-like texture

Add in the sun-dried tomato and chipotle chili paste; add a few drops of food color (if using) to the hot water

Using a wooden spoon add one cup of the hot water first and stir well (as if to make play dough) till the dough comes together; add a bit more water as needed till the dough holds well and comes off the sides of the bowl

Turn the dough into a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes till smooth, cover with a plastic wrap and allow to sit for 30 mins

Divide the dough into 10 or 12 balls, roll out to about 3 millimeter thick rounds

Cook one at a time on a hot cast-iron skillet, both sides till done; the tortilla might puff up a little, which is a good sign

Wrap in a cotton towel as they come off the pan and serve warm with favorite sides, or as a wrap